Alex Palou has expressed interest in making his NASCAR debut following the recent IndyCar-NASCAR doubleheader event at Phoenix Raceway. The four-time IndyCar champion and reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson met during the weekend, discussing the possibilities of crossing over between their racing disciplines.
The joint event in Arizona featured both premier American racing series competing on the same oval track, a rare occurrence that fostered interaction between the champions and opened up conversations about future crossover opportunities.
Palou Reveals Why He Hasn’t Raced in NASCAR Yet
When asked about his absence from NASCAR races so far, Palou was candid about the situation. He said:
“Nobody told me. I would have done it… 100% (I’m up for it). If Chip (Ganassi, team owner) allows me, yes… I think I would do a road course, though. Yeah. I have to say. Or a street course. Like I cannot jump on this. I’d just get smashed.”
Palou has established himself as the dominating force in IndyCar with four championships over the past five years and 20 victories, including the prestigious Indy 500. Despite his success, he has remained focused primarily on IndyCar rather than branching into other forms of racing.
Kyle Larson’s Experience with IndyCar and NASCAR
In contrast, Larson has explored IndyCar beyond NASCAR by attempting the Indianapolis 500 twice, in 2024 and 2025. Both efforts, however, ended prematurely, leading him to abandon further attempts. Reflecting on his IndyCar outings, Larson commented:
“I don’t know if the opportunity was there. I think my double went so bad. I’m too embarrassed to get back in.”
The Phoenix weekend concluded with challenges for both drivers. Palou’s race ended early due to contact, while Larson faced difficulties but managed to recover and finish third. Meanwhile, Team Penske dominated the weekend by securing victories in both the IndyCar and NASCAR events.
Palou Praises Larson’s Remarkable Versatility Across Racing Disciplines
Despite differing strategies when it comes to racing across categories, Palou acknowledged Kyle Larson’s extraordinary ability to excel in a variety of series simultaneously. Larson regularly competes in diverse forms of racing, ranging from sprint cars and dirt late models to outlaw divisions and stock cars, often taking part in multiple events weekly.
Palou admitted that matching Larson’s adaptability would be difficult for him, stating:
“But he’s crazy. That’s not normal. I think it’s not normal. One that he’s so busy, but then that he’s able to drive fast. Different cars. Like, I could do it, but I would just be slow.”
Larson responded to this humbly:
“I don’t think so.”
Larson’s Offseason Activities Demonstrate His Broad Racing Engagement
Following his 2025 NASCAR championship, Larson continued to compete in various racing events during the offseason. He participated in the Hangtown 100 shortly after, followed by Ventura’s Turkey Night, won the High Limit International in Australia, competed in Tulsa’s Winged Outlaw division finishing fourth, and later entered the Chili Bowl event, showcasing his racing versatility across multiple disciplines and locations.
The recent discussions and events highlight the ongoing dialogue between leading figures in American motorsport about crossing traditional boundaries between racing series. Palou’s openness to exploring NASCAR could signal more such moves in the future, potentially expanding the careers of high-profile drivers like him beyond their established domains.
Two defending champions. One interview. @ClintBowyer talks with @KyleLarsonRacin and @AlexPalou about the NASCAR/INDYCAR Desert Double in Phoenix. pic.twitter.com/COuUMV1XLM
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 8, 2026
